 The Lacus Curtius today | |
   Lacus Curtius Shown within Rome | |
| Location | Regio VIII Forum Romanum |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°53′33″N 12°29′06″E / 41.8923973°N 12.4850177°E |
| History | |
| Builder | Unknown builder |
| Founded | Archaic through Imperial periods |
The Lacus Curtius ("Lake Curtius") was a pit or pool in the ground of the Forum Romanum. The area where the Forum would be built was likely once a lake, as the wider area is known to have been surrounded by brooks and marshes. One part was never drained and gradually shrank until only a basin, known as the Lacus Curtius, was left.[1] Its nature and significance in Rome’s early history is uncertain, and several conflicting stories exist about its origin and purpose.
The name of the place is likely connected with the Curtia gens, a very old Roman Family with Sabine origins.[citation needed]